George Borg believes his Enfield Town side are giving themselves a “fighting chance” of escaping the Ryman Premier relegation zone

George Borg believes his Enfield Town side are giving themselves a “fighting chance” of escaping the Ryman Premier relegation zone after the Towners completed a 3-0 win against Hendon on Monday night.

Liam Hope netted the opening goal shortly before half-time and Tyler Campbell added a second for Enfield 13 minutes into the second period.

The victory was rounded off in the closing stages as new signing Jamie Richards tapped home from close range after a shot from Hope was initially saved.

It was the first away league win of the season for Enfield and Borg was delighted with the effort shown from his players.

“We are gaining confidence and we are getting good results. So we are giving ourselves a real fighting chance to stay up but it certainly won’t be easy,” Borg said.

“I’m delighted for the lads because they showed fantastic passion and commitment. We have worked hard on the system we have developed and we are now very hard to break down and score against.

“So I am pleased for everyone involved with the club. I’ve always said we’ve had very good players here at the club but when they needed was organising and being fitter.

“Players like Mark Kirby, who was immense on Monday, Joe Stephens and Liam Hope have been outstanding and have worked extremely hard.”

He added: “After the game I did get a little bit emotional to be honest because I love the club and I love the supporters.

“The players are all really nice lads and they know how much it matters to everyone. So they are going to give everything they have got to keep us up and I can’t speak highly enough of them.”

New signing Richards, who has most recently played for Cheshunt, Grays and Thurrock, signed with the Towners at the weekend.

The 31-year-old made an immediate impact on his debut and Borg believes the forward will play a vital role in helping Enfield battle the drop.

He said: “Jamie has come straight into our team and had a great debut. He has great experience and reads the game incredibly well.

“He’s played at a higher level so we need to enjoy his experience and the quality he will bring to the side. “So I am absolutely delighted we have been able to get him and scoring the third goal really was the icing on the top of the cake.”

While Enfield remain 22nd in the Ryman Premier, they are now only five points away from safety and have games in hand against a few of their fellow strugglers.

Borg believes there has been a big change in the mindset of his players who have suffered just one defeat in their last five league matches.

The Towners boss said he stressed the importance of forgetting their early season poor form and feels the players’ self-belief has grown with every positive result.

He explained: “When I joined I told the players to forget about what had happened at the start of the campaign.

“Steve Newing lost his job here which is never nice for a manager but he did a great job for the club, however, it obviously wasn’t working out this season.

“We all knew how difficult it would be for us and the buck ultimately stops with me. The team though are growing in confidence and when they go out onto the pitch they are not worrying about conceding goals and losing the game, they are going out there to win the match.

“I’ve also got to give a lot of credit to the supporters because they are fantastic for us. They really are special and they gave Adam Wallace a great welcome back when he returned with Hendon.

“Credit must go to Adam as well. He is a great lad and he wished the club well after the match which is lovely to see.” Enfield’s match on Saturday against Thamesmead Town was postponed due to the weather and the players were given the weekend off.

However, Borg was working and took the chance to watch the Towners’ Under-21 side. He said he is impressed with the club’s younger players and is not afraid to give them a chance in the first team if the opportunity arises.

He said: “I like to have players coming through into the first team and if they are good enough then I will always give them a chance to play and progress. I’m definitely of the belief that if you’re good enough you’re old enough.”

Enfield will look to build on their victory against Hendon as they host Lewes on Saturday and Borg is hoping his side will be able to put “the same determination and effort into our game.”

He added: “I can count on one hand the number of teams that would be able to beat us if we play as we did against Hendon.

“But we will need to have the right attitude and commitment which I am sure we will have.

“If we keep getting points and good results then that keeps up the pressure on the sides above us and gives us a real chance.”